The Enugu State Police Command has announced the arrest of thirty-eight (38) suspects in connection with the brutal murder of Rev. Fr. Matthew Eya, a Catholic priest of the Nsukka Diocese, who was assassinated on September 19, 2025.
According to the command’s spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the arrests followed intensive bush combing operations and targeted raids of suspected criminal hideouts across communities under the Udenu Area Command. He confirmed that incriminating items were recovered during the operations, and the suspects are currently undergoing screening.
The Commissioner of Police, Enugu State, CP Bitrus Giwa, had earlier directed the Udenu Area Commander and Tactical Units to track down those responsible for the killing. He reassured the public that the command remains committed to ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
Fr. Eya, who was in charge of the Eha-Ndiagu Parish in Nsukka Catholic Diocese, was attacked and killed by unknown gunmen along the Eha-Ndiagu–Eha-Etiti Road in the Ehalumona community, Nsukka Local Government Area. He was reportedly shot dead on the night of Friday, September 19.
The Enugu State Government has strongly condemned the killing, describing it as a “cowardly and cold-blooded act.” In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Dr. Malachy Agbo, the government extended its condolences to the priest’s family, the Catholic Diocese of Nsukka, and the entire Catholic faithful.
Reaffirming its commitment to the protection of lives and property, the government pledged to use all available resources—including advanced technology and credible intelligence—to track down those behind the crime.
To aid the investigation, the state government has placed a ₦10 million bounty on the perpetrators, calling on anyone with useful information to come forward. Members of the public with credible leads are urged to contact 07077451426.
